Shoplifting at Target in California

Hi......please help me!

I was caught shoplifting at the end of dec 2006. It such a stupid thing to do and I will NEVER do it again. The amount that I stole was $46.I admitted that I stole the items tothe LP and police officer. I was not arrested because i had my ID and I had no priors. The police officer issued me a misdemeanor ticket for petty theft penal code 488/484(a). My court date is at the end of Feb.2007

I called the public defender office because I can't afford an attorney. The woman on the phone said that I can't get a public defender if I plead guilty. she said public defenders are only for those who plead not guilty. I can't afford a criminal attorney and I feel weird going into this without representation. I am confused because it seems as though other people on these threads got public defenders even while pleading guilty.

I having been doing research and am wondering if I can get a diversion. I did call one attorney and he said he didn't think that the Santa Ana Courthouse does a diversion program. Since the value of the property is less than $50, can I have it dropped to an infraction (penal code 490.1)? will an infraction show up on a background check? I wanted to get my notary license but can't get one with a conviction. who do I talk to about this at the courthouse since I can't get a public defender and can't afford an attorney. i'm clueless. Do I talk to the court clerk or just wait until the judge calls on me and I ask the judge about the infraction or diversion.

any help will be appreciated!
thanks!
antoi

You should be able to get a PD I dont understad why you were told you could not. What you can do is show up for your arraingment tell the judge you want to plead not guilty an would like a PD. The judge can then give you instructions on getting PD. By Law you are entitled to a Lawyer. The other thing you can do is find a criminal defense Attorney who will grant a free office visit. Ask your questions get your answers to take with you to court

thank you for responding so quickly.
I feel weird lying to the court that I want to plead not guilty. I plan on pleading guilty.
Also, will an infraction show up on a background check? When I apply for jobs do i have to admit to an infraction? or is it better of to ask for a diversion program if they have one? i don't ever plan on doing this again or getting into any kind of trouble ever again! I'm just not sure which is better, infraction or diversion.

thanks!
antoi

Quote:

---

Quoting antoi

---

thank you for responding so quickly.
I feel weird lying to the court that I want to plead not guilty. I plan on pleading guilty.
Also, will an infraction show up on a background check?Yes When I apply for jobs do i have to admit to an infraction?If you dont and its found out later (it will be) you can be fired or is it better of to ask for a diversion program if they have one?Yes its always best to seek diversion if offered i don't ever plan on doing this again or getting into any kind of trouble ever again! I'm just not sure which is better, infraction or diversion.

thanks!
antoi

---

Diverson will be best option

Diversion is the best option if you can actually fulfill the terms of the program. Having had defendants who, for some reason, couldn't avoid breaking the law in between the date they entered their plea and the date of their sentencing, I can't avoid recognizing that some people are better off taking a lesser conviction than blowing the terms of their diversion program and getting a more serious conviction.